Bollywood has always been celebrated for its spectacle, blending tradition, romance, music, and drama into unforgettable stories. From sweeping family sagas to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, the Indian film industry has built a global identity that transcends language and borders.
In Nigeria, where Nollywood reigns supreme, Bollywood has held a special place for decades. Generations grew up humming classic songs, copying dance steps, and soaking in the larger-than-life emotions on screen.
Today, streaming platforms make Indian cinema available at the click of a button—no more cassettes or DVDs—and many Nigerians are rediscovering Bollywood. To capture that passion, we spoke with 40 Bollywood fans in Nigeria and asked them to rank their all-time favourite movies and explain the personal reasons these films continue to resonate.
Here are the 40 best Bollywood movies ranked by fans:
40. Tanu Weds Manu (2011)
Running time: 1h 53m
Director: Anand L. Rai
Genre: Romance
This movie tells the unconventional love story of a doctor who travels to India to find a bride, and a rebellious small-town girl with dreams that clash with tradition. Their love life starts as a mismatch, then evolves into a journey of compromises, heartbreaks, and realizations about what love truly means.
“What I love about this film is how their worlds collided. It reminded me that love isn’t always about perfection; it’s about balance.” — Ada, 27
Watch Tanu Weds Manu on Prime Video.
39. Sam Bahadur (2023)
Running time: 2h 30m
Director: Meghna Gulzar
Genre: War Drama
The movie focuses on the life and service years of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. It dives into his highs and lows, exploring wars, reforms, and the leadership style that earned him both admiration and the distinction of being the first Indian Army officer promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.
“When a biopic is done right, it’s one of the best things to watch—and this movie fits right in.” — Fikayo, 24
38. Monica, O My Darling (2022)
Running time: 2h 10m
Director: Vasan Bala
Genre: Neo-Noir, Crime, Dark Comedy
A rising tech whiz stumbles into blackmail, murder, and a femme fatale who plays chess when everyone else is playing checkers. This movie’s use of retro sound, pulpy cinema flair, and sly humour makes it one of Bollywood’s boldest releases of the 2020s.
“I went in for the songs, but stayed for the twisty wickedness.” — Sandra, 27
Watch Monica, O My Darling on Netflix.
37. Mimi (2021)
Running time: 2h 12m
Director: Laxman Utekar
Genre: Comedy, Drama
A small-town dancer agrees to be a surrogate for a foreign couple, but when things change, she faces society and motherhood on her own terms. While the movie carries plenty of comedy, it balances it with an intense exploration of perseverance and dignity.
“Kriti’s performance felt like a friend. It’s my comfort watch.” — Yemisi, 22
36. Article 15 (2019)
Running time: 2h 20m
Director: Anubhav Sinha
Genre: Crime, Drama
A city-bred cop posted to rural India investigates missing girls and hits the wall of caste, corruption, and silence. His investigation unravels into something bigger and darker than he could have imagined. This movie blends police procedural with social commentary.
“It’s uncomfortable, but in the right way. It’s the kind of important story you can’t look away from.” — Brianna, 25
35. Andhadhun (2018)
Running time: 2h 19m
Director: Sriram Raghavan
Genre: Black Comedy, Thriller
A pianist who pretends to be blind becomes entangled in a series of crimes of passion and a chain of accidents that may not be accidents at all. After witnessing the murder of a former film actor, he finds himself caught in a web of chaos.
“I paused so many times just to gasp. Perfect chaos.” — Jopelo, 26
Watch Andhadhun on Prime Video.
34. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)
Running time: 2h 44m
Director: Luv Ranjan
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A man who makes money by helping couples break up meets his match when a no-nonsense chartered accountant flips the script. He falls for her, and the story follows their families and the tug-of-war between independence and togetherness.
“It’s fun, but the family bits felt close to home.” — Morayo, 24
Watch Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar on Netflix.
33. OMG 2 (2023)
Running time: 2h 36m
Director: Amit Rai
Genre: Drama, Comedy
After a boy is expelled for vulgar acts, his father takes the conservative school system to court over sex education, with divine help nudging him along. He challenges everyone who has wronged his son, even if it means facing his greatest enemy.
“I wish I had seen this as a teenager. I could have learned a lot about sex education.” — Tope, 23
32. Animal (2023)
Running time: 3h 21m
Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
A son’s ferocious need for his father’s love detonates into violence. Consumed by his quest for acceptance and vengeance, he unleashes chaos against those plotting against his father’s life.
“I’ve argued with all my friends that this is the best Indian movie. I still can’t stop watching it.” — Anita, 26
31. Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
Running time: 2h 48m
Director: Karan Johar
Genre: Romance, Family Drama
A love story turns into a social experiment when two lovers facing family opposition decide to swap households. Living with each other’s relatives before marriage tests their compatibility and challenges tradition.
“The gender conversations were the real deal for me.” — Sola, 25
Watch Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani on Prime Video.
30. The Archies (2023)
Running time: 2h 23m
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Genre: Musical, Teen Drama
Set in the 1960s Anglo-Indian era, Riverdale is a fictional hill town where a beloved group of teenagers take a stand when developers threaten to demolish a cherished park. The film weaves together themes of friendship, romance, and student activism.
“Felt like a high school musical.” — Eunice, 25
29. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023)
Running time: 2h 15m
Director: Arjun Varain Singh
Genre: Drama
Three friends in Mumbai juggle work, parents, lovers, and the demands of the digital world. The film captures the ache of being extremely online and the struggle to log off without losing oneself.
“I watched it with a group of friends. We kept looking at ourselves during the awkward pauses. We’ve already seen it together three times.” — Adesewa, 24
Watch Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on Netflix.
28. Laapataa Ladies (2024)
Running time: 2h 1m
Director: Kiran Rao
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Two newlywed brides are accidentally swapped on a rural train. What begins as a mix-up turns into a quiet rebellion, as one bride discovers her voice while the other finds unlikely allies.
“It’s soft, funny, and radical. I smiled the whole time.” — Zainab, 27
Watch Laapataa Ladies on Netflix.
27. Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)
Running time: 2h 22m
Director: Imtiaz Ali
Genre: Musical Biopic, Drama
The film tells the story of the meteoric rise and shocking assassination of Punjab’s most controversial folk star, Amar Singh Chamkila. It wrestles with fame, censorship, and the gulf between a stage persona and a fragile man.
“Netflix recommended it, but I didn’t watch it on time. Later, I downloaded it. What a movie. The music slaps. His life story hurts too.” — Semilore, 24
Watch Amar Singh Chamkila on Netflix.
26. Maharaj (2024)
Running time: 2h 4m
Director: Siddharth P. Malhotra
Genre: Historical Legal Drama
In 1862 Bombay, a young journalist challenges a powerful religious leader in an article. In retaliation, a defamation case is filed against him. The trial becomes a test of the colonial courts and the public conscience.
“This movie made me Google if the case really happened. Too intense.” — Alfred, 22
25. Crew (2024)
Running time: 2h 2m
Director: Rajesh A. Krishnan
Genre: Action, Comedy
Three hardworking, cash-strapped flight attendants stumble into a gold-smuggling heist when their airline faces bankruptcy. With no choice but to get involved, they use the scheme to keep themselves afloat.
“This was such a great watch. I enjoyed their schemes and kept laughing.” — Tobi, 22
24. Kill (2023)
Running time: 1h 46m
Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat
Genre: Action, Thriller
A soldier boards a night train to stop a forced marriage and collides with a gang of bandits. The carriage turns into a pressure cooker of combat as he fights for survival against deadly attackers.
“This is the best hand-to-hand Indian action I’ve seen in years. I yelled at my TV.” — Favour, 26
23. 12th Fail (2023)
Running time: 2h 27m
Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Genre: Drama
An officer finds the courage to return to school and restart his academic life in pursuit of a lifelong dream. Among millions of students attempting to pass the world’s most competitive exam, he remains determined against the odds.
“It reminded me of WAEC pressure. I could feel every small win.” — Seye, 27
22. Jawan (2023)
Running time: 2h 49m
Director: Atlee Kumar
Genre: Action, Thriller
A masked vigilante driven by vendetta, along with his all-women convict squad, takes on corruption across sectors. His mission for justice eventually leads to an unexpected family reunion.
“This is pure event cinema. And the ladies steal scenes. I love to see it.” — Neneh, 27
21. Pathaan (2023)
Running time: 2h 26m
Director: Siddharth Anand
Genre: Action, Thriller
A Pakistani general hires a private mercenary to launch attacks in India, but an exiled super-agent returns to stop a looming bioweapon war. The mission tests his skills and endurance, and once inside the war zone, he has no choice but to fight until he wins.
“Anything action, give it to me.” — Michael, 24
20. Sooryavanshi (2021)
Running time: 2h 23m
Director: Rohit Shetty
Genre: Action, Cop Drama
The anti-terrorism squad races to stop a planned attack, led by a security chief on a mission to recover 600 kg of missing RDX and track down the criminals behind it. He gives his all but faces a heavy force determined to stop him.
“Everything was boom, boom, boom. Fire and fights everywhere. I wanted to pass time with it, but it grabbed me and I enjoyed it.” — Erioluwa, 19
Watch Sooryavanshi on Netflix.
19. BellBottom (2021)
Running time: 2h 3m
Director: Ranjit M. Tewari
Genre: Thriller
Inspired by real hijackings in the 1980s, the film follows a RAW analyst who leads a high-stakes rescue mission to free passengers held hostage by terrorists. He relies on his patriotism, skills, and wit to take on heavily armed criminals.
“I loved it because of the old-school spy movie element.” — Eric, 21
Watch BellBottom on Prime Video.
18. The Kashmir Files (2022)
Running time: 2h 50m
Director: Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
Genre: Drama, History
A professor’s death pushes a student to uncover hidden accounts of the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. His investigation unravels a web of lies and conspiracies tied to the mass genocide.
“Hard watch, but if you enjoy historical movies, I recommend this.” — Mubarak, 25
Watch The Kashmir Files on JioTV.
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17. Gully Boy (2019)
Running time: 2h 33m
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Genre: Musical, Drama
A working-class college student discovers his voice in Mumbai’s hip-hop cypher. Rapping about social issues and everyday life in his city, his world changes after meeting another local rapper who pushes him to chase his dream.
“If you’ve ever had a dream that felt bigger than you, you might relate to this. At least, that’s how I related to it.” — Badmus, 25
Watch Gully Boy on Prime Video.
16. Badhaai Ho (2018)
Running time: 2h 4m
Director: Amit Sharma
Genre: Comedy-Drama
A 25-year-old is stunned to learn that his middle-aged mother is pregnant. Struggling to accept the news, he finds his personal life and romantic relationship thrown into chaos.
“I watched this with my mum. We laughed throughout the movie. I made her watch it, by the way.” — Yele, 26.
Watch Badhaai Ho on Dailymotion.
15. Stree (2018)
Running time: 2h 8m
Director: Amar Kaushik
Genre: Horror-Comedy
In a small town haunted by a spirit that abducts men during festival nights, a young man and his friends set out to confront the mystery. Their mission to stop the spirit brings both fright and humour, while uncovering a strong social message.
“It’s spooky and silly. Also, the social message is strong.” — Olaide, 27.
14. Atrangi Re (2021)
Running time: 2h 18m
Director: Aanand L. Rai
Genre: Romance, Drama
A runaway woman is forced into marriage with a man who’s already engaged, setting off a whirlwind of chaos. But when her boyfriend reappears, the love triangle takes a darker, almost haunting turn.
“It’s messy but sincere. The songs carried me.” — Mariam, 23.
Atrangi Re is streaming on Hotstar, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
13. Article 370 (2024)
Running time: 2h 40m
Director: Aditya Suhas Jambhale
Genre: Political Thriller, Drama
After unrest in Kashmir, a young intelligence officer is recruited for a covert mission to curb terrorism while the government prepares for a constitutional overhaul.
“It felt like being in the room where decisions happen.” — Ifedayo, 25.
12. Fighter (2024)
Running time: 2h 46m
Director: Siddharth Anand
Genre: Action, Drama
An elite pilot in the Indian Air Force faces a deadly terror threat just as he achieves his lifelong dream. With immense responsibility on his shoulders, he must rise to the occasion and prove himself a true hero.
“The aerial sequences are incredible. I kept rewinding. It’s a pure spectacle.” — Victor, 24.
11. Raanjhanaa (2013)
Running time: 2h 19m
Director: Aanand L. Rai
Genre: Romantic Drama
A small-town boy’s childhood crush lingers into adulthood. What begins as an innocent love story gradually transforms into an obsession as he struggles against class divides to win the woman of his dreams.
“It starts as a love story and turns into a messy one. The acting is great.” — Bright, 24.
Raanjhanaa is streaming on Prime Video, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
10. Sardar Udham (2021)
Running time: 2h 42m
Director: Shoojit Sircar
Genre: Biographical, Historical Drama
Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a quiet revolutionary devotes his life to seeking justice across continents. The film dwells as much on grief as it does on vengeance.
“I like slow burners. This works for me.” — Abiodun, 29.
Watch Sardar Udham on Prime Video.
9. Gehraiyaan (2022)
Running time: 2h 28m
Director: Shakun Batra
Genre: Drama, Romance
Cousins, careers, and complicated love lives intertwine as four adults make choices that cost more than they can bear. The film dives into class, ambition, and secrets.
“It’s messy like real relationships. There’s no hero, there’s no villain. Just plenty of consequences.” — Grace, 25.
Watch Gehraiyaan on Prime Video.
8. Drishyam 2 (2022)
Running time: 2h 20m
Director: Abhishek Pathak
Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery
Seven years after outsmarting the police, a family man faces a sharper, more relentless unit. This sequel doubles down on patience, suspense, and puzzle-box investigations.
“I thought I could guess the plot from the start, but I was wrong. The plot twist is so strong.” — Ayomide, 23.
Watch Drishyam 2 on Prime Video.
7. Shershaah (2021)
Running time: 2h 15m
Director: Vishnuvardhan
Genre: Biographical, War, Drama
This film tells the story of Captain Vikram Batra—his romance, his battlefield heroics, and the Kargil peaks that turned him into a legend. Shershaah presents national pride as personal courage rather than sloganeering.
“That last act had me standing up in my living room—respect.” — Doyin, 25.
Watch Shershaah on Prime Video.
6. Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022)
Running time: 2h 47m
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
A Mumbai DJ discovers he’s tied to ancient elemental weapons called astras. As a secret order protects them, an awakening evil rises in pursuit of the ultimate prize—the Brahmāstra.
“It’s a larger-than-life movie but is emotional. It’s the ‘festival movie’ you put on if you want to watch something to feel good.” — Ashepeoluwa, 23.
Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva is streaming on Disney+ but is unavailable in Nigeria.
5. Queen (2013)
Running time: 2h 26m
Director: Vikas Bahl
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Dumped right before her wedding, a woman goes on her solo honeymoon to Europe and discovers a freer, braver version of herself. This film is about how small, bold choices can lead to real freedom.
“I watched it after a rough week. It felt like permission to breathe again.” — Damola, 21.
Queen is streaming on Netflix, but is unavailable in Nigeria.
4. Mission Majnu (2023)
Running time: 2h 9m
Director: Shantanu Bagchi
Genre: Spy Thriller, Action, Historical
In the early ’70s, a RAW agent goes undercover in Pakistan to expose a nuclear programme. The mission is political, but the film also wrestles with love, duty, and the heavy cost of a secret life.
“It shows patriotism. The way the main lead acted made me care about him and his mission, too.” — Adeola, 28.
Watch Mission Majnu on Netflix.
3. Darlings (2022)
Running time: 2h 14m
Director: Jasmeet K. Reen
Genre: Dark Comedy, Drama, Crime
A woman stays in a bad marriage, hoping her husband will change, until survival and self-respect push her to fight back. With her mother by her side, the film shows us how grit can help survivors break free from abuse.
“The humour in this film is top-notch. I laughed and loved how close it felt to real life. This is why it hits for me.” — AY, 26.
2. Jaane Jaan (2023)
Running time: 2h 19m
Director: Sujoy Ghosh
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime
A single mother in a quiet Himalayan town gets pulled into a crime that threatens to upend her life. Her neighbour, a reserved maths teacher, steps in to help. Based on The Devotion of Suspect X, this film is a slow-burning thriller that balances logic, suspense and moral ambiguity.
“It’s the kind of movie that makes you lean forward without realising. Kareena’s calmness is scary and good, and I like the ending.” — Susan, 24.
1. Haseen Dilruba (2021)
Running time: 2h 16m
Director: Vinyl Mathew
Genre: Thriller, Crime
When her husband dies in an explosion, all eyes turn to his wife. As the police dig deeper, she spins a story about love, betrayal, and obsession that blurs the line between truth and cover-up.
“It reminds me not to settle for less. People kill for the ones they love—and even go as far as cutting off their hand to hide a murder.” — Adebola, 24.
Watch Haseen Dilruba on Netflix.
